Glossary

Deep state

A contested term for a supposed network of unelected officials in government who are said to shape or resist the policies of elected leaders.

Also called: administrative state critique, permanent bureaucracy

"Deep state" is a phrase borrowed from Turkey (derin devlet), where it described a hidden network of military and security officials. In American politics it has come to mean career officials, particularly in the intelligence, law-enforcement and national security agencies, who are alleged to pursue their own agendas or to obstruct the policies of elected presidents.

The term became widely used after 2016, especially by Donald Trump and his supporters, who pointed to leaks and to investigations of his campaign as evidence that parts of the government worked against him. Critics of the claim say that what is described is the normal operation of a professional civil service, which is protected by law from political firing, and that the phrase can spread conspiracy theories. Some scholars use the term neutrally to discuss the entrenchment of bureaucracies.

The debate links to the legal argument for the unitary executive theory, the effort to make more federal positions removable at will, and to the administrative state. Supporters of civil-service protections say they ensure expertise and prevent a spoils system; critics say they limit democratic control. The term is also used in other countries with different meanings. Compare lawfare, another contested phrase.

Last reviewed November 8, 2026

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Related terms

Administrative state A term for the federal agencies that make and enforce rules with binding effect, often seen as a fourth branch of government. Unitary executive theory The theory that Article II gives the president full control over the executive branch, including the power to direct and remove its officers. Inspector general An independent official inside a federal agency who audits and investigates its programs and reports waste, fraud and abuse to Congress. Regulatory capture The tendency of a regulatory agency to come under the influence of the industry it is supposed to oversee, serving it more than the public. Lawfare Using legal processes, such as prosecutions or lawsuits, as a weapon against opponents; the term is applied by many sides to actions by their adversaries.